News
Friday 8 February 2008
Students bring Fame to Nottingham
A West End musical is making its way to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall, all thanks to a group of talented Nottingham Trent University students. The Nottingham Trent Dance Society has secured the rights to deliver a production of “Fame – The Musical”, a long running and much loved favourite of the West End.
Following months of hard work and rehearsal, the award winning group will be holding a one off performance at the Royal Concert Hall on Monday 18 February 2008, with a warm invitation being extended to anybody who would like to come and see the show.
Formed in 2004, the University's dance society has grown in size and popularity year-on-year, regularly producing sell out shows for their fellow students, and bringing home trophies from a number of inter-university competitions across the country.
In celebration of their successes and abilities, it was decided this year to set their sights on a professionally staged production that would be available for as many people as possible.
“We’ve been producing great shows for the last couple of years, but I wanted us to go really big this time,” explained Rachelle Cornel, final year Business and Marketing student, President of the Dance Society, and main organiser of the event.
“I’ve always wanted to produce a musical, and Fame has got a great story line which we know people can enjoy, young or old. Lots of the dance society members are involved in the University’s Coach 4 Dance project which works with pupils in local schools, so we’re hoping to see lots of the kids and their families in the audience. We're just really excited to be putting on a show for anybody who wants to see it.”
Juggling her studies with casting, choreography, musical arrangement, rehearsals, promotions and ticket sales, Rachelle has been glad to receive support from fellow students and staff, making this very much a Nottingham Trent University production throughout.
Matthew Hopkins, Director of Music at the university has assembled a band comprised of professional musicians, many of whom have previously performed in West End productions.
He said: “To be putting on a production of this size in a venue like the Royal Concert Hall is real proof of the abilities of our students. I’m really excited for them.”
Managing Director of the Royal Concert Hall James Ashworth said: “We’re delighted to be playing host to this event, and particularly the students of Nottingham Trent University who have been working so hard on the production. This is yet another great way for the students in this city to offer something more to the community.”
ENDS
Notes for editors: Fame – The Musical will be taking place at the Royal Concert Hall, 7.30 pm, Monday 18 February. Tickets and details for the event are available from the Royal Concert Hall box office on +44 (0)115 989 5555.
Details of rehearsal times and interviews can be made available upon request.
Coach4dance provides Nottingham Trent Dance Society members with the opportunity to learn about teaching dance to primary school children, with training provided by Dance4, a Nottingham-based dance training organisation.
Press enquiries please contact: Matt Wallace, Press Office, on +44 (0)115 848 8785, or email matthew.wallace@ntu.ac.uk.
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on +44 (0)115 848 8774, or email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
